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Friday, 8 February 2013

So here is the first Friday Preview for the Barclays Premier League. I'm going to pick three of the matches that look the most exciting from each weekend and give my detailed prediction. I will still predict scores for the other matches.

Match 1: Tottenham vs Newcastle

The last time these two teams played was the first day of the season, with Newcastle 2-1 winners. Since then Newcastle have had a poor league showing, whereas Spurs are looking good in a Champions League spot.
One of the key battles will be Newcastle RB Debuchy trying to stop the pace and power of Gareth Bale. Bale has been in good goal scoring form recently scoring againstWest Brom and Norwich. Debuchy has played well so far at the start of his Newcastle career, but this will be his biggest test yet. If bale plays well, I can't see spurs losing.

Prediction: 2-1Win for Spurs

Match 2: Manchester United vs Everton

Everton are one of only three teams to beat Utd this season after a 1-0 victory in their opening match. The Red Devils however are not losing at the moment and it's hard to look past the league leaders.
For Everton I think it is crucial that Fellaini recovers from a hip injury in time, as he can really control the midfield and is a dominant prescience in the air. Also Leighton Baines, he came on for England against brazil on Wednesday, if he plays well and puts in his trademark deliveries, then Everton can capitalise on the aerial strength of Fellaini.
For Manchester United it is the star striker Robin Van Persie who is the main man. If they get it to him in good positions they will score goals. De Gea however will need to play his best, especially from crosses, as I'm sure Everton will try to exploit his aerial frailty.

While not an obvious choice for my final match, I can see this one being really exciting. Stoke have yet to win in 2013 and will be desperate to end this statistic. Reading on the other hand have taken 14 points from 21 so are in good form. Stoke's defence has been characteristically strong, and reading will hope the in form Adam Le Fondre can break through the stoke back four. Le Fondre has 7 goals in 6 games and will hope to continue this run.
I think that the stoke defence will hold firm and they can end their run without a win.

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Today Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher announced his retirement at the end of the season. To put this into perspective, the year he made his debut was the year I was born! As a Liverpool fan myself the news does make me sad, but I also think it is a chance to move onto a new generation of Liverpool centre backs to take over the role.
Firstly there is the partnership of Skrtel and Agger. I really like both of these guys and think they are a great partnership. For whatever reason (only he knows) Brendan Rodgers has not been playing this partnership I'm recent weeks, but instead going for Agger and Carragher. It's slightly worrying to me that someone who is retiring at the end of the season is being picked ahead of Skrtel. I think that he should just be in the squad to help teach the young players, and called up as a back up if needed.
As for another Liverpool CB Sebastian Coates, I'm not particularly impressed. He was awful against Oldham, and I haven't seen him play where I've thought "wow this guy's got potential." But who knows, with a loan move or a run in the team he might have a sudden rise in quality. But I doubt it.
Then finally there's Andre Wisdom. Despite being played at Full back recently his preferred position is CB, and like so many of the youngsters Rodgers is using this season he seems to have real potential. However it is only until we see him at CB that we can judge whether he is the next Jamie Carragher.

Congratulations on a great career Jamie,came I'm sure we'll see you in a coaching role before too long!

Welcome to my New Blog, Offside-Sports-Review. As the name suggests I'm going to be reviewing and previewing some of the sports I'm passionate about. I'm afraid if you're interested in sports such as baseball or American football then you are going to be disappointed, I know next to nothing about either of these. The main sports I will be looking at are Football (soccer for you Americans) and anything else that goes on in the world of sport.

On Fridays I will preview some of the matches from the Barclays Premier League, and on Monday or Tuesday I will review the weekends matches. I'll also try to predict scores for the weekend (although I'm sure i'll barely ever get it right).

Well just a short post today but tomorrow the first predictions and previews.

Until then feel free to comment with what you'd like me to do to make you read this blog.